Coastal Services Center

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What Kinds of Existing Socioeconomic Data Can Be Gathered in the Analysis of an MPA?

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Socioeconomic data includes economic and other quantifiable social data. Social and economic data can be used to estimate how these social and economic variables can affect an MPA. These data may include

• Local business and industry statistics
• Census data
• Regional economic data

How Can Knowing This Help Me?

Although MPAs have traditionally been created to preserve ecological populations and enhance biodiversity, economics now plays a more prominent role in MPA management. The success or failure of an MPA is now highly dependent on its financial viability and economic sustainability.

Illustrating how the long-term value of ecosystem conservation will benefit society is often insufficient for individuals to support the MPA. Knowing the social and economic climate of a community allows managers to make more informed decisions and can help defend these decisions to stakeholders and the public.

What Are Some Tools I Can Use?

• Cost-Benefit Analysis
• Nonmarket Valuation
• Secondary Data Analysis
• Social Impact Assessment
• Surveys